Washington, DC Worker's Compensation Benefits
By Aaron Larson
Law Offices of Aaron Larson
July, 2003
Important Notice: The following overview of Washington, DC's worker's compensation (workmans comp) benefits is presented on an as-is basis. This information is believed accurate as of the date of authorship, but is not intended to provide a complete analysis of available benefits and may not reflect subsequent changes in the law. For a full review of Washington, DC's worker's compensation law, or for a determination of how the law applies to a specific worker, please consult a worker's compensation attorney licensed to practice in the District of Columbia.
Contents
- Introduction
- Special Employment Situations
- Medical Benefits &Choice of Physician
- Disability Benefits Provided
- Death Benefits Provided
- Limits on Attorney Fees
Introduction
Washington, DC's system of worker's compensation (workman's comp) is compulsory, meaning that employers are required to provide worker's compensation insurance for their employees. Worker's compensation insurance may be provided through a private insurance carrier, or employers may self-insure. Waivers are not permitted.
Special Employment Situations
There are no exceptions from the Washington DC worker's compensation law for small employers. Agricultural employers are treated in the same manner as any other employee. Domestic workers who areemployed by the same employer at least 240 hours during a calendar quarter are covered by the worker's compensation law.
Medical Benefits & Choice of Physician
Full medical benefits are provided to employees entitled to worker's compensation benefits, with no time or monetary limits. The employer selects the physician who will provide care from a list maintained by the worker's compensation agency.
Disability Benefits Provided
Payments are made for temporary total disability (TTD) in an amount determined by a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to a weekly maximum payment amount. Payments are limited to 500 weeks.
Payments are made for permanent total disability (PTD) based upon a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to a weekly maximum payment amount. Payments for PTD continue for the duration of the disability.
Payments for permanent partial disability (PPD) are made based upon a percentage of the worker's wage, subject to a weekly maximum payment. Payments for PPD may be limited depending upon the nature of the disability.
Weekly compensation benefits are subject to offset for certain old age and retirement benefits.
Benefits may be available for serious injury to the face, head, neck or other exposed areas likely to handicap employment.
Physical and vocational rehabilitation benefits are available.
Within certain constraints and filing deadlines, occupational hearing losses may be compensable.
Death Benefits Provided
Death benefits are payable to an employee's surviving spouse, or spouse and children, based upon a percentage of the employee's wages, subject to a cap. A burial allowance is available.
Limits on Attorney Fees
Attorney fees for claimants are approved on a case-by-case basis.
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